In Fujian, traditions and tales passed down by ancestors still tightly bind neighboring villages and even those who have crossed the oceans. When talking about Youshen (the Parade of the Gods) online today, there's a popular saying: "For Youshen in Fuzhou, look to Changle; for Youshen in Changle, look to Houfu." Not only is the Houfu Youshen an intangible cultural heritage of the Changle district, but it is also affectionately known by the public as the "ceiling" (the absolute pinnacle) of all Youshen parades. Today, let's talk about the origins of the Houfu Youshen and see how this old tradition is finding new life today.
I. The Legend from the Elders: Jiushi Gong Settles in Houfu
The main deity worshipped in Houfu Village is called "Yinglie Wang" (King of Heroic Valor), but locals usually call him "Jiushi Gong" (Duke of the Ninth). Regarding his origins, a deeply human myth has always been told locally:
- A Brother's Battle with the Python God: Legend has it that in the Tang Dynasty, a powerful python god in Fuqing abducted a young woman named Liu Sanniang. To save his sister, her brother studied magic for 20 years, finally stormed the python's cave, and eliminated the monster.
- The Drifting Statue of Jiushi Gong: By then, the sister already had children. The brother's heart softened, and he spared the last three. During a massive flood in the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty, the wooden statue of the ninth child, "Jiushi," floated all the way to Houfu Village in Changle. When the villagers saw the statue float away and return multiple times, they believed the deity intended to stay. They built the "Yingwu Temple" to respectfully enshrine him.
- Protecting the Region: In the early Qing Dynasty, pirates frequently invaded the coast. It is said that Jiushi Gong manifested to protect the entire village. Later, a scholar from Houfu reported this to the imperial court, and the emperor conferred upon him the title "Yinglie Wang." This story of vanquishing evil and protecting the people has been passed down through generations ever since.
II. Understanding the Magic of the Houfu Youshen
The reason Houfu Youshen is so bustling and widely celebrated comes down to a few undeniable highlights:
- The Scale and the Dates: The 10th and 26th days of the first lunar month are the grandest days for Houfu Youshen. Young and old turn out in full force. Over 300 divine figures gather, forming a parade that stretches for 4 kilometers. The procession marches non-stop deep into the night, touring over a dozen surrounding villages. Every household sets up offering tables and sets off fireworks to welcome the gods—a truly spectacular scene of empty streets and deafening drums.
- The "Tagu" Divine Generals: The majestic, two-to-three-meter-tall divine figures in the parade, whose arms swing naturally as they walk, are locally known as "Tagu." They are constructed with a hollow frame of bamboo and wood, draped in magnificent divine robes, and carried from the inside by sturdy young men. It is a job that requires immense physical strength and skillful balance.
- The "Shizi" (Princes): The handsome, high-spirited "Shizi" (such as Zhao Shizi, Zhang Shizi, and the Great Prince of Huaguang) in the procession are currently massive "top-tier" internet sensations. Not only are they beautifully crafted, but they also carry the common people's hopes for a better life, attracting young people from all over the country and even overseas to catch a glimpse in person.
III. Nostalgia and Heritage Across the Ocean
Houfu is not just an ancient village; it is a famous hometown of overseas Chinese. In the early days, many people from Changle crossed the ocean to make a living abroad. The Youshen parade became the unbreakable kite string connecting them to their home.
Every year on the 10th day of the first lunar month, countless overseas Chinese set aside their businesses and fly back specifically to catch this grand hometown event. For them, contributing money and effort to make the village's Youshen spectacular isn't just about praying for the safety of wanderers abroad; it's about telling the next generation: our roots are in Houfu, and our traditions are not lost. Today, the folks from Changle have even brought the Youshen tradition to Chinatowns in the US, allowing the red lanterns and Tagu divine generals to illuminate streets in foreign lands.
Conclusion
The Houfu Youshen and the legends behind it are more than just captivating myths; they are a microcosm of how generations of Fujian people have lived. No matter how fast the outside world changes, this deep-seated nostalgia, hope, and cultural heritage continue to drive everyone forward. Seeing young people and overseas wanderers rally around these old traditions once again, we know that the warmth and vitality left by our ancestors will continue to thrive in the days to come.
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